by Web Editor | Nov 4, 2016 | News
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the new rules on formaldehyde emissions for manmade wood products. Under the new regulations, Third Party Certification (TPC) bodies currently approved to provide certification for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) formaldehyde standards will be entitled to provide certification for the new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) formaldehyde emissions standard. Permission will be granted for a period of two years without the requirement for further approval. After this period, TPC will require accreditation by the EPA for TSCA Title VI certification.
The grace period will make it easier for manufacturers seeking a certified TPC and benefits continuity as the new set of rules, entitled 40 CFR 770, are based on CARB standards. The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, signed by President Obama in July 2010 amended the TSCA with the addition of Title VI and required the EPA to create regulations on formaldehyde in manmade wood products. After a lengthy period of consultation, new rules have been announced, which will come into effect one year after publication in the Federal Register.
Regulations 40 CFR 770 stipulate requirements for product labeling, compliance documentation, and for the conditions for approval of TPC and Accreditation Bodies (AB). The regulations also set out the requirements for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, component parts and finished goods.
Composite wood producers need to be certified through a program that includes product testing for emission standards and production facility inspections, including requirements for processes and record keeping. The emission standards are based on test method ASTM E1333-10.
From OpenPR: https://www.openpr.com/news/377699/CARB-Approved-TPC-Bodies-Can-Provide-Certification-on-New-US-Formaldehyde-Emissions-Standards.html
by Web Editor | Aug 1, 2016 | News
The Environmental Protection Agency rolled out a formaldehyde emission standard, working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in setting the rules that are mandated by Congress.
The EPA moved to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors from laminate panel and engineered wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States. The agency worked with the California Air Resources Board to make its final national rule consistent with California requirements for composite wood products.
One year after the rule is published, composite wood products that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, manufactured, or imported in the United States will need to be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant. These products include: hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, particleboard as well as household and other finished goods containing these products.
The action was triggered in large part by discovering that Lumber Liquidators’ flooring supply from China has been labeled CARB compliant though it was not. Lumber Liquidators has since settled with CARB and the Consumer Products Safety Commission over its liability for the matter. The new rule requires other sellers of laminate panel to meet the CARB standards for formaldehyde exposure.
EPA says the new rule will level the playing field for domestic laminate flooring manufacturers who have a high rate of compliance with the California standard and will ensure that imported products not subject to California’s requirements will meet the new standard and thus, not contain dangerous formaldehyde vapors.”
From Woodworking Network: https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/epa-issues-final-formaldehyde-exposure-rule-guided-carb
